Sāmoa strengthens border controls as measles cases rise in New Zealand

Sāmoa is tightening its borders and stepping up vaccination checks as measles cases rise in New Zealand, a stark reminder of the deadly outbreak that claimed 83 lives in the Pacific island nation just six years ago.

With authorities in Aotearoa racing to contain 18 cases through an intensive immunisation drive, Sāmoa is moving swiftly to protect its population from a potential outbreak, reactivating health screenings at airports and ports and warning travellers to be fully vaccinated before arrival.

Sāmoa remains measles-free, according to the latest reports from Deputy Prime Minister Toelupe Poumulinuku Onesemo during the government’s weekly press conference with local media.

Sāmoa’s 2019 measles outbreak mainly claimed young children due to low vaccination rates that left the population vulnerable. A state of emergency was declared, resulting in school closures, travel bans, and a nationwide immunisation drive that successfully vaccinated 94 per cent of the population by December 2019, effectively ending the outbreak in early 2020.

While Sāmoa has worked hard to recover from this crisis, the threat of measles continues to loom across the region.

On Tuesday, health authorities reported 18 measles cases in New Zealand, with 17 of them classified as non-infectious. A week-long immunisation campaign has just been completed, during which over 15,000 doses of the Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) vaccine were administered across the country.

Watch a recent Q&A about Measles with Dr Zoe Tipa of Whānau Āwhina Plunket and Dr Nikki Turner of the Immunisation Advisory Centre:

According to Nikki Canter Burgoyne, the National Director of Prevention (Immunisation) at the National Public Health Service (NPHS), MMR coverage among Pacific children in Aotearoa remains below the 95 per cent target needed for herd immunity.

New data from the Aotearoa Immunisation Register show that Pacific children achieved 89.3 per cent coverage for the first dose and 84.4 per cent for the second dose. Māori children recorded the lowest rates, with 79.3 per cent for the first dose and 71.6 per cent for the second, compared with national averages of 88.9 per cent and 84.8 per cent.

In response to the developments in other parts of the Pacific, Toelupe confirms that Sāmoa is aware of measles cases in the region and is taking steps to protect the local population from a potential outbreak. Preparations include implementing more health measures at ports of entry.

New data from the Aotearoa Immunisation Register show that Pacific children achieved 89.3 per cent coverage for the first dose and 84.4 per cent for the second dose. Photo/Supplied

Sāmoa’s Ministry of Health issued a special travel advisory effective from 3 November, strongly advising all travellers aged 12 months and older to get at least one dose of the vaccine at least 14 days before arriving in Sāmoa. Pregnant women and infants under 12 months old are exempt from this advice.

The advisory states, “Travellers identified with symptoms of measles upon arrival at any point of entry will be assessed and detained as required under public health regulations”. Travellers are also urged to carry valid vaccination certificates as proof of measles immunisation.

Tumanuvao Evile Falefatu, the chief executive of the Sāmoa Airport Authority, has confirmed to PMN News that the government is “taking a proactive approach” this time.

“We are reactivating our contingency plan for health security to assist the Ministry of Health,” Tumanuvao says.

Sāmoa’s National Epidemic and Pandemic Preparedness and Response Plan (NEPPRP) requires thorough screening of all incoming flights and vessels, including health assessments at Faleolo International Airport and maritime ports. Port health staff have the power to detain, isolate, or quarantine travellers suspected of having an infection.

Watch a quick measles explainer with Dr Hina Lutui:

World Health Organization (WHO) data shows that only 31 per cent of one-year-olds in Sāmoa received their first measles vaccine in 2018 - far below the 95 per cent target. Coverage fell even further after the national immunisation programme was suspended between July 2018 and April 2019, following the deaths of two infants linked to improperly prepared MMR vaccines. The decline in herd immunity, combined with regional measles outbreaks and frequent travel between Sāmoa and affected countries, set the stage for the 2019 epidemic.

Returning to New Zealand, Dr Nick Chamberlain, Executive National Director of NPHS, emphasised the importance of stopping the spread of the disease: “By increasing the number of people who are immunised, we reduce the risk of further transmission and protect our most vulnerable.

“It’s remarkable to see how just one week of focused action can drive such a meaningful increase in doses delivered and overall protection. Every dose counts - and every person protected brings us closer to stamping this outbreak out,” Chamberlain says.

He also noted that while more people in New Zealand are now protected against measles, more progress is needed to achieve 95 per cent MMR coverage nationwide to help eliminate the disease.

The health authority advises that two doses of the MMR vaccine provide 99 per cent protection against measles. The outbreak status in New Zealand will continue until there are no new cases for 42 consecutive days.